Guelph-Eramosa Mayor Chris White will lead Wellington County council for the next two years.
White, the first warden to be selected following the decision to move to a two-year term, was presented the gavel of office and keys to the warden’s office by past warden Joanne Ross-Zuj.
Upon taking the warden’s chair, White quipped “oh my” as he held both the ceremonial gavel just received, along with the gavel already at the desk, as if wondering what to do with both.
As councillor John Green was selected as chairman of the administration, finance and personnel committee, he congratulated White on his election as warden.
“I look forward to serving you, and the people of Wellington County … so we can do the best things for the citizens of Wellington County – the county that we love so much,” Green said.
Past warden recognition
Green stated, “On behalf of county council and its citizens, I thank Joanne Ross-Zuj for two years as warden. She’s been gracious, strong and firm in her decision and stance on things.
“She’s shown wonderful tolerance on many occasions. In my opinion she’s shown herself a great leader of this municipality of Wellington.
“We in Wellington are very proud. This is one of the best counties and one of the best administered counties in Ontario. We’ve had a leader for two years who didn’t let us down.”
To Warden White, Ross-Zuj said “you are going to have a wonderful term. We have the finest county and it’s a pleasure to be here.”
White said “I’m very honoured with the confidence of this chamber and the voters of Guelph-Eramosa. This truly is a fantastic county.”
He sees both challenges and opportunities ahead. While there are new people on board, White said there is a lot of experience behind them.
He said he could go on, but he had given his warden’s speech at the last county council meeting.
“I mentioned China once, and I’ll never live it down,” he said. “I’m sure you’ve heard enough speeches over the past six months, and there probably isn’t anything new I can say. I appreciate the honour.”
He also presented a gift to Justice Herold, who said he was both flattered and honoured to be asked to swear in county councillors and “… to try to stand in the very large shoes of Hugh Guthrie QC.”
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott and Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson were also on hand offering congratulations to the new warden.
“It is an honour to be here with you, always,” Arnott said. “I look forward to working with you. We’ve had a chance to work together in the past.”
He also thanked Gord Tosh for contesting the warden’s position, and saw him taking an important role in the upcoming county council term.
As well, Arnott expressed his appreciation to outgoing warden Joanne Ross-Zuj, who he said “did a superb job as the leader of the county for the past two years. You’ve always represented the county with class.”
He also acknowledged the numerous former members of county council in attendance.
“We know that municipal government is indeed the most important level of government because you are closest to the people,” Arnott said. “It is my honour and privilege to work with you.”
Wilkinson said “to all of the returning councillors, you must have done a wonderful job to be re-elected, to be back here.”
To the new councillors, Wilkinson said “always remember that you can’t be sworn at … until you’re sworn in. Congratulations at being sworn in.”
He too saw the municipal government as a partner with the province.
Committee selections made at the Dec. 10 meeting include the following.
Administration, finance and personnel committee
Chairman John Green; members: Chris White (warden), Joanne Ross-Zuj, George Bridge and Ray Tout.
Roads committee
Chairman Joanne Ross-Zuj; members Chris White (warden), Don McKay, Lynda White, George Bridge and Gord Tosh.
Solid Waste committee:
Chairman Don McKay; members: Chris White (warden), Gary Williamson, Ken Chapman and Ray Tout
Planning committee
Chairman Shawn Watters; members: Chris White (warden), Jean Innes, John Green and Bruce Whale.
Social Services committee
Chairman Gord Tosh; members: Chris White (warden), Lou Maieron, Jean Innes and Bruce Whale.
Information Heritage and Seniors committee
Chairman Mark MacKenzie; members: Chris White (warden), Dennis Lever, Lou Maieron, Shawn Watters. Citizen Appointments: Jennifer Dixon, Sheila Gamble, Walter Trachsel and Brad Whitcombe.
Police Board: Lynda White, Chris White (warden) and Jeremy Vink (citizen appointment).
